Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Remember how I said there was a lot going on, well I didn't really tell you everything.

Earlier this year we became an Ashford Dealer, weaving looms and spinning supplies. We have a couple of looms but avoided the Spinning Wheels as The Black Lamb in Port Hope is better equipped to teach spinning.

During the summer we had someone come into the shop with a spinning wheel. Helen, who is a spinner, checked it over and decided that it needed some work and we sent him off to another shop for better information. It made me think about Spinning?

You see I have a lot of people in my circle of friends who spin and they all invited me to learn. I would always say that knitting is weird enough and why would I make yarn when there is so much beautiful yarn available. I was determined to not have another craft in my home!

Maybe I was having a week moment but one day out of nowhere an Ashford spinning wheel was made available to me, the person selling it just used it a few times and found it beyond her needs. Not wanting to miss out again and knowing that if I didn't want it anymore I could easily use it as a store prop, lend it out or sell it on.

The biggest issue I had now was admitting to all those who thought I would enjoy spinning that I was even considering it. How could I learn without telling anyone I needed a lesson or seven! A quick call to Laurie at the Black Lamb and we spent a Monday morning together, talking shop and she gave me a quick lesson.

Then I practiced, watched videos and read a bunch of books and magazines. The wheel came with a bit of fibre and I played with most of it! I have learned a lot, my hands and feet work well together and the more I practice the easier it gets.

I met my friends as they were Demonstating spinning at Orono Fair, one even said:

Now I find myself wanting to attempt new fibres and see how they perform. I may never become very good, but I do like the fact that if someone comes into the shop looking for spinning fibre then I have at least a small bit of knowledge to be able to help with choices.

This weekend was Thanksgiving and "The Girl" was home. The internet was down and our television reception is down to just a few channels. I taught her how to card some wool and I spun it into a very lumpy skein. Coming home is like visiting a Pioneer Village!

Other then a few people not many know about this, so keep it a secret?

So never say never! Your brain is always wanting to learn new things, sometimes they aren't easy at first but as muscle memory comes into play before you know it you are doing everything without too much trouble!

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Wow! It's Thanksgiving weekend. I can't believe that we have gone through 2016. Its been eventful at our home, not horrible events just a lot going on.

'The Farmer' had surgery in April, which went well but we would head out early 2 times a week to go to see his physiotherapist. He could go on his own after 6 weeks, but it was just as easy to drop him off and do a few groceries and pick him up. (It wasn't so great when he booked a few on a Monday morning, my day off!)

We had one little vacation, which got shortened when I popped a rib in my back, sending us home early and I spent a week visiting our Chiropractor to sort this out. (It was as painful as childbirth!) Every other opportunity to get away was spent dealing with something happening at home, day trips to find equipment, following big equipment when it moved from farm to farm.

The weather was a huge factor as crops suffered through the worst drought conditions we have ever seen. They did produce it's just that everything was early and ready all at once. Farmers in the area struggled to get enough hay to feed animals, we were fortunate to have had enough to sell to some, we could have sold much more if we had it.

The Farm also does Custom Work, they head off with the big equipment and fill silos, and fill bags with hay and corn. This year they had many more jobs as feed was scarce and some farmers faced cutting corn early as hay was not available.

Then one well went dry and this week the main well for the barn and the farm house is completely dry! Finding enough water daily to feed and clean the cows and the milking system is taking up much of everyone's time.

It's hard to describe why they choose this profession! When I questioned my 60 plus Farmer why he would take on another custom job his response was: